Get focused. 

The holiday season is pretty much here, and we know things can get stressful. From travel to family matters and everything in between, sticking to daily workouts and healthy eating is tricky — even for the fittest of the fit. Of course, we're here to help you get through it. 

We've got your back with an ever-growing bank of tough, unique workouts like the ballet-inspired calf routine below. Plus, you'll find some fitness tips to help you avoid going dormant on the fitness front this season. Use your Outside+ login to access weekly live workouts, targeted workout series and our monthly Fitness Quests. 

Nutrition may be the toughest challenge of them all, especially when holiday meals hit the table. Below, find some tips to cut back on sugar. And stay tuned next week for all the Thanksgiving recipes and healthy eating tips a fit girl could want — summer may feel like it was yesterday, but Turkey Day is just a few weeks away!  

Now, get sweatin'! 

— Rose McNulty, Senior Digital Editor

The 15-Minute Ballet-Inspired Calf-Burning Workout

While other bodyparts offer a wide range of exercise options, calves . . . well, tend to be boring, truth be told. In the gym, it’s all about raises: You stand with the balls of your feet on a step, platform or rail of a seated or standing calf machine, and then you simply raise and lower your heels against resistance to get your calf workout in. Ho-hum.

Thankfully, Nashville, Tennessee–based personal trainer and founder of Country Fusion Elizabeth Mooney is disrupting that pattern with her innovative, ballet-inspired routine that can be done anywhere, anytime in just 15 minutes, two to three times per week.

“This workout strengthens and tones your calves with five different exercises, all easy to do with no machines required,” says Mooney, who has been a dancer since the age of 2. “Dancers’ legs are admired for good reason, and these moves can also help you develop proper posture and balance, too, both through the repetitions and the resulting body awareness from holding the two ballet positions that are part of the exercises.”

Carve your calves with this routine »

NUTRITION

5 Ways to Reduce Your Added Sugar Intake

FITNESS TIPS

7 Surefire Ways to Beat Holiday Hibernation

Outside+

TRAINING ADVICE

Are Morning or Evening Workouts More Effective?

Articles from across the network:

Here’s a 1-Week Mediterranean Meal Plan for Mental Sharpness and Deep Focus

Outside+

Not only is the Mediterranean diet delicious, but it also boasts many health benefits. Did you know that it even supports brain health as you age? Follow this one-week meal plan to help nourish your brain and support your overall health. — From Clean Eating

10 Yoga Poses to Build Strength and Stability in Your Core

Outside+

The steadiness you'll gain in this practice will connect you to all aspects of your core — beyond just your muscles. — From Yoga Journal

Plant-Based Thanksgiving Recipes Your Whole Family Will Love

A dream team of plant-based chefs and authors share the recipes they make for their own families on Thanksgiving. — From Vegetarian Times

Don't forget to use your Outside+ login to get exclusive access to content across the Outside network!